Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/26/2008

Question
Chloe has not been spayed,is not pregnant, and has shown false pregnancy symptoms in the past (swollen nipples, swollen vulva).  This time is different because she has shown these symptoms for two months.  She has been to vet and the first concern was pyometra, but the x-ray and exam are showing no indication of enlarged uterus.  Her white blood count is normal, eating normal, drinking normal, etc.  I don't want surgery because it seems inconclusive that she has Pyometra.  There is some discharge, but clear like urine, and not colored.  I am concerned about the length of the false pregnancy symptoms.  Any other ideas of what this might be?

Answer
Karen -

It is possible for her to have prolonged symptoms of false pregnancy.  She is obviously too old to breed and I recommend that you have her spayed as soon as possible. She does have increased risk of complications, but she is also an increased risk for certain cancers.

You are taking a huge  risk by assuming that she will not develop pyometra.  If she does develop a closed pyometra, you could lose her before she is diagnosed with the disease.   Because she has had several false pregnancies, it is wise to spay her as it is obvious that she is adversely affected by the some of the hormones in her body.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM